energy

From ancient Roman aqueducts delivering fresh water to advanced clean energy generation easing the burden of fossil fuels, technology has long been used to address the great problems facing humanity. The Internet of Things (IoT) may well represent the next evolution of this trend, leveraging the power of modern computing and connectivity to tackle some of our most difficult and pressing problems. In particular, the IoT has already demonstrated great usefulness in energy conservation and environmental protection efforts. To learn more, let's dig into how this fledgling technology may play a key role in reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable future.

editor's note: Chronicles of the Hydraulic Brotherhood is now accepting articles from anyone with something important to say about California Water issues.

On November 8, 2014, Lake Oroville, the second largest man-made lake in California, plunged to a record low: 26 percent of capacity. Boaters were forced to rappel from dock parking lots to their listing motorboats far below. Just 46 more feet lost and the lake would be rendered impotent, unable to produce power. If all the remaining water in the similarly starved reservoirs of Lake Shasta, Trinity Lake, and Folsom Lake was to be poured into Oroville Lake, it would still only be 80 percent full.

Prior to 2011, California drew 18 percent of its in-state electricity generation from 287 hydropower plants, from impoundments, run-of river and pumped storage facilities. A small fraction of its hydropower was (and is) imported from the Pacific Northwest and the Southwest's Hoover Dam. This energy source (learn more here) would have been a great alternative to traditional sources, such as coal or natural gas. READ MORE »